Olav Dale was born on October 30, 1958, in Norway. He was a composer, orchestra leader and jazz saxophonist, and also played other woodwinds.

Dale received little formal education in music, but completed studies at the Voss Folk High School and the Toneheim Folk High School. His path shows how the Norwegian scene absorbed musicians who came from non-academic routes.

He died on October 10, 2014, aged 55. His birth date is remembered among the landmarks of Scandinavian jazz.